Breathable groundsheet will let the mud through. A cheap tarp from B&Q etc shouldn't, you can always throw it away if it's really disgusting. I use a breathable one but take a tarp in case and where possible pitch on an all weather, gravel pitch then don't bother with one.

If the grounds that bad already using a normal groundsheet's not going to make much difference. Sites that ask for breathable groundsheets only tend to have caravans not tents, there's not many tents these days come without a sewn in groundsheet. If you're on gravel a breathable groundsheet would be better, they're a plastic fabric mesh type rather than solid plastic, i've not had trouble with mine.

Quote: Originally posted by smartecosse on 18/2/2014
Thanks Kate, so if its wet/muddy underneath and we use a breathable one as per the campsite requirements its going to let mud through and if we use a tarp then they are going to get annoyed........

If we were on a gravel pitch and put down the breathable one to save our feet etc on the gravel do they tend to get ripped by the gravel or are they tough enough for that in general?

I use carpentina breathable groundsheet.
It is very light and does not let worm casts through
it is also warm to walk on and does not pull mud or wet through.
I used it a couple of years ago for 10 days most of which were heavy rain.
When I took it up there was hardly any yellowing to the grass.
John

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